CAIRO: US embassy spokesperson Margaret White refuted local press reports that Cairo University was the most likely venue for President Barack Obama’s address to the Muslim world on June 4.
“No decision has been made yet, White said, adding that the embassy was not making any press statements about the venues under consideration.
The local press had reported yesterday that President Obama was likely to give his speech at Cairo University’s large conference hall.
However, the Associated Press reported on Friday that an American advance team had ruled out Cairo University because it would disrupt final exams, as well as Cairo Convention Hall because it was “deemed too shabby.
Most media speculations have pointed to Al-Azhar Mosque or other locations connected to Al-Azhar University as the most likely venues.
By virtue of its historic and religious significance, Al-Azhar is viewed by many as the ideal location.
President Obama’s long-anticipated address is expected to ease tensions with the Muslim world and repair the damage done to the US image under the Bush Administration.
